How much sun does Field Milk-Vetch need?

Field Milk-Vetch grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Field Milk-Vetch bloom?

Field Milk-Vetch blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Field Milk-Vetch native?

Field Milk-Vetch (Astragalus agrestis) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 11 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Field Milk-Vetch toxic to livestock?

Field Milk-Vetch is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

Is Field Milk-Vetch HOA-friendly?

Field Milk-Vetch takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Field Milk-Vetch

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Astragalus agrestis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Field Milk-Vetch (Astragalus agrestis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Field Milk-Vetch is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, IA, ID and 11 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Great Plains North Central Hardwood Forests

Field milkvetch is a low-growing native wildflower that forms compact clumps with delicate compound leaves and small purple or white pea-like flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial blooms from May through July and goes dormant in winter. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal watering once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Field Milk-Vetch takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very wild appearance resembles weeds
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Small size and informal growth habit don't meet typical landscaping standards

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for native bees and other small pollinators during its extended bloom period. As a member of the legume family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Field Milk-Vetch need?: Field Milk-Vetch grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Field Milk-Vetch bloom?: Field Milk-Vetch blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Field Milk-Vetch native?: Field Milk-Vetch (Astragalus agrestis) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 11 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Field Milk-Vetch toxic to dogs?: Field Milk-Vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Field Milk-Vetch toxic to cats?: Field Milk-Vetch is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Field Milk-Vetch toxic to livestock?: Field Milk-Vetch is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Field Milk-Vetch attract?: Field Milk-Vetch draws bees.
Is Field Milk-Vetch HOA-friendly?: Field Milk-Vetch takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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